Titus 1:5 KJV
[5] “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:”
Crete is the largest island in modern-day Greece, located in the Mediterranean Sea south of the mainland of Greece. The island is about 140 miles long and thirty miles wide. During the New Testament period, it was part of the Roman Empire and was known for its many cities and seaports.
Here, we have the first indication that Paul and Titus had spent time together on the island. They evangelized the population and established churches, but Paul couldn’t stay as long as he planned. He was concerned about the events happening in Ephesus. He heard the Macedonian call and wanted to visit other churches in need.
He left Titus behind to set things in order. The phrase “set in order” is a medical term meaning “to set right again something that is defective.” Medically, it describes the setting of a limb. The churches in Crete desperately needed structure and spiritual leadership because they had become weak and out of alignment. God is a God of divine order and wants to bring stability to our lives.
God not only cares about starting a work in us, but also wants to bring stability and order into our lives. He does this by establishing spiritual leadership to help us. Spiritual leadership is not self-appointed, but is divinely appointed. We do not have the wisdom to choose our own spiritual leaders. We must allow the Lord to appoint them. Spiritual leadership is not based upon friendships, personalities, or associations. Spiritual leadership often has a title: pastor, pastor’s wife, husband, Sunday School teacher, or parent. The first step in getting help is placing ourselves under the authority of who God has chosen for us. This will reveal whether or not we have a teachable spirit. It also proves who we are ultimately following. Are we following man or God?
Think about how much the Lord cared for those living on this island. He wanted them to be saved and grow spiritually. He wanted them to have structure and stability in their lives. Listen to the people God has placed in your life to help you develop the structure needed to grow spiritually.